FAQs

After your laser hair removal session, you should wait around 10 days before shaving. We recommend waiting 10 days because your hairs will enter the shedding phase in the next 5 to 14 days, at which point they’ll start falling off. Shaving after 10 days will allow the unwanted hairs to fall off naturally, thereby initiating the next hair growth cycle. If you must shave for an occasion, you should still wait at least 7 days.

Madison Laser Spa uses the 808 wavelength diode laser, an FDA-approved laser device that removes unwanted hair without damaging the surrounding skin. The biggest advantage of the 808 wavelength diode laser is that it can be adjusted according to your specific skin type and color for maximum efficiency and results. Furthermore, the laser energy is only absorbed by the unwanted hair, leaving the surrounding skin untouched and unhurt.

• Age: Laser hair removal is suitable for men and women over 18 years of age.
• Skin Type: The diode laser works for all skin types, but we recommend it for skin types 1 to 5 according to the Fitzpatrick scale. Skin type 1 refers to extremely light skin, and skin type 5 refers to dark brown skin. While the diode laser is also safe for skin type 6 (deeply pigmented dark brown), the hair removal results might not be optimal.
• Hair Color: The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in your hair, so it’s extremely effective for people with dark hair. Laser hair removal isn’t as effective for people with blonde, white, red, light brown, and light-colored hair because they lack pigment and don’t absorb the laser energy effectively.
• Tattooed Skin: You can’t get laser hair removal if you have tattoos on the treatment area. That’s because the pigment from the tattoo will absorb the laser energy, making the skin around the treatment area burn. It can also make the tattoo fade away.

The results of your laser hair removal depend on the stages of hair growth. The human hair grows out in cycles, with each cycle lasting for 4 to 6 weeks. The stages of hair growth include the anagen phase (growth phase), catagen phase (transition phase), and telogen phase (resting phase). The anagen phase is the longest cycle wherein the hair follicles are connected to the dermis and blood supply.

Laser hair removal only affects the hairs on their first stage, i.e., the anagen phase. When the laser energy is absorbed by the pigment, it destroys the underlying root structure, making the hair fall off naturally. However, the hairs in the catagen and telogen phase aren’t affected, so they’ll continue growing out in a few weeks. That’s why it takes several sessions to kill all the hair follicles as they enter the anagen phase.

Each subsequent hair removal session will target the hairs in the anagen phase, leading to thinner and sparser hair growth.

• No Waxing: Your hair needs to be in the anagen phase during the laser hair removal procedure. As such, you’re advised against waxing your hair before your session or between two sessions.
• Preliminary Shaving: You’re asked to shave unwanted hair before the treatment to ensure optimal results and safety. Failure to shave the treatment area may result in loss of treatment or service if time still allows for treatment.

Laser hair removal only affects the hair follicles on the anagen phase, i.e., the initial growth phase when the hair is connected to the dermis. On average, only 20% to 40% of your hair will be in the anagen phase at any given moment. As such, you need multiple sessions for complete hair removal. Generally speaking, patients see optimal results in just a few sessions, but everyone has a unique journey.

Laser hair removal is a completely safe procedure with no harsh side effects, complications, or downtime. At most, your skin may feel red and itchy for 2 to 48 hours, but you can resume your daily activities immediately. However, you should inform your provider about all your current medications.